OMAR HIKAL

Photographing the Path Less Trodden

The Indelible Lens of Omar Hikal  By Lydia Schoonderbeek

Omar Hikal is charming, well-spoken, and quite witty. He has the uncanny ability to seamlessly shift between an Egyptian sense of humor, and a more Westernized one; a talent that works well to mask the astute business mind and sharp sense of observation that toil away behind his retro spectacles. His passion for photography is served well by his extensive traveling, something he is dedicating a good part of his time to. His pictures tell intimate stories of distant cultures in faraway lands. Not one to fall into the trap of touristy photos, Hikal’s images have a stoic and personal narrative that draw you in and make you feel. Cairo East Magazine met with Hikal to learn about where his love of taking pictures has led him, and what he has captured there.

 

CEM: Omar, how did it all start?

OH: I think my love of photography started in school. We shot film and learned how to find our way around a dark room. Like many hobbies, it took a back seat to studies and career until I re-discovered my passion again in the late 90s. By 2005, I had decided that traveling the world and shooting people would be something I wanted to do as often as I could.

You travel a lot only to photograph, where have you been and why those particular places?

I want to photograph interesting people in interesting places. My process is pretty straight-forward: I start pretty early and walk as much as I can, looking for people and connecting with them. I often shoot portraits of subjects in their homes, and this usually involves some time drinking coffee and attempts to communicate. My most memorable shoots have been Vietnam, Cambodia, Cuba, and most recently, India.

Do you have any memorable situation that happened to you while you were on one of your shoots?

On my last day in Havana, I spotted a lady standing on the roof of a building looking down at me and another photographer I was shooting with on that day. I gestured to her if we could come upstairs and as she disappeared, we started to walk away. A couple seconds later she called down to me and tossed a set of keys down to us so we could open the door to her building! As we walked up the stairs to her rooftop apartment I had my camera ready and I took a shot of her just as she opened the door – as if she was greeting long lost friends! >>

We spent about half an hour having a conversation in very broken Spanish and the most memorable moment was when she said to me, “We are poor, but we are happy.” Yeah. That stays with you.

From the photographs you have taken, do you have a favorite?

I have many. Mostly the photos that have a story to them. Seomara and Magda in Cuba, the opium dealer’s wife, the saddhu and his daughters and the smoking lady in India are some of the ones I am most partial to.

What draws you as a photographer when you are out on your walks?

I look for interesting faces or scenes. I look for light… stories. I normally see my images quite large so I look for detail.

Who are your favorite photographers from the last decade?

That’s a long list! My Instagram feed is mostly photographers and every day I see something that makes me say, “Damn that’s good!” Bryan Peterson, Gregory Heissler, Jimmy Nelson, Mario Marino, Mark Seliger, Yousef Nabil, Mark Mann, Toufic Araman, Dany Eid just to name a few.  They make me wish I had more time to shoot and have more talent.

How do you feel about social media and technology as they play a big part with imagery in our daily lives?

Social media has been great in exposing talents that I believe would be hidden otherwise, and it gives us a constant inspiration-feed. I also think that it can be a huge time-waster. Either way, social media is here to stay.

How would you describe yourself in 5 words or less?

Lucky beyond my wildest dreams.

What is your favorite app?

I’m a huge Kindle fan.

What can’t you live without?

My two wonderful boys and my lovely wife. No question.

 

Farida Temraz

International Egyptian Designer

The World of Farida Temraz

By Maggie Balbaa

If you are into fashion, you have probably recently heard of Temraza Haute couture. The very young brand that has made it to the international markets of Europe and the USA. Farida Temraz, chief designer and entrepreneur behind Temraza has worked around the clock for the past four years to deliver to us what is today the first Egyptian brand in history to be worn by beauty blogger and actress Teni Panosian, dancer Sharna Burgess, and reality show star and host Morgan Stewart at the Annual Academy Awards.

CEM: Farida, how did you start out in fashion?

FT: After I graduated in marketing I took several leadership and motivation programs abroad. I met with top designers to learn about the industry and their experience in brand management. I studied all aspects of fashion design and production then got back to my passion, which is designing and leading the brand.

How did Temraza come about?

It all started with my great passion for fashion. I have been designing and drawing dresses since I was seven years old. In 2012, I took the decision to start Temraza and launched the brand with only $250. I managed to self-fund all of my international appearances through my early sales. Those trips were like a reward to myself.

Tell us about your fashion journey to date.

I wanted to be the first internationally recognized Egyptian brand, so my first experience was London Fashion Week in 2014. Despite their very tight selection criteria, I applied and took the risk. To my surprise, I got accepted. What motivated me was that the media chose to cover my brand among only four other brands. My second step was Paris Fashion Week. I was placed first in a competition and got some international coverage in Runway Magazine and on Fashion TV. I also started selling in Paris. My next step was LA Fashion Week in the USA. My collection was called “The Concert” and was inspired by stage performances of LA. Each dress had a star character. I was featured in Hollywood Times and started selling in Beverly Hills. That fashion week introduced me to stylists, who later chose my dresses for their celebrity clients.

What was your proudest moment?

I have two. Dressing stars at the Oscars and the Paris “First Place Award”.

What do you do to chill out and relax?

I enjoy the sun, along with a cup of coffee. I also love travelling and sports but now I have a very tight schedule so I am struggling to find time to relax.

What is your favorite shop in Cairo?

Collezioni. A small department store that suits my shoe-a-holic taste.

What is your favorite app?

Snapchat and, for fashion purposes, Instagram and Pinterest.

What inspires you?

Definitely Chanel and the designer Olivier Rousteing from Balmain.

Elisa Sednaoui

Social Entrepreneur, Model, Actress, Film Director, Muse and Mother    By Hilary Diack

Blessed with beauty, charisma and no small level of intellect; multi-faceted, multi-lingual and multi-talented Elisa Sednaoui has been dedicating her life to a fulfilling community project for the past three years.  Born to an Italian mother and French-Egyptian father, she traces her early years back to the Egyptian town of Luxor. From there, her path in life has taken her to the heights of the world of haute couture, as model and muse for world-class photographers and leading designers.

Inspired by her childhood, and true to her passionate ability to throw herself unflinchingly into the challenges of whatever inspires her, Sednaoui has launched The Elisa Sednaoui Foundation. The idea is to create sustainable cultural centers, which function as a hub for artistic and life-skill development for Egyptian children, offering them a gathering place and haven for after-school hours. The pilot project takes place in Luxor.

Cairo East Magazine pondered how a highly successful model could find time to not only create a foundation that expands horizons, but to also juggle her roles as wife, mother and actively involved social entrepreneur. We take an intimate glimpse into her life.

CEM: Elisa, will you tell us about your earliest childhood memories?

ES: The kitchen in our flat in Zamalek, Cairo. I remember Ace of Base’s ‘All That She Wants’ playing on the TV. Coming home from my nursery school Stepping Stones and playing “to cook something,” which I would actually really bake in the oven. I must have been four. I have other memories of going to school in Cairo on my dad’s shoulders.

Who has been the strongest influence in your life?

I wouldn’t be able to limit this to one person. Of course my mother is the biggest influence, she is my own strongest example of a woman. To me she is a symbol of courage, humor, vision, ambition, heart and generosity.

I am grateful for all those I had the chance to meet, going through life, the number of people who have inspired me with even just a sentence or an attitude. Every day I meet someone I am grateful for. Even if it’s someone I’ll never meet again. I also love biographies, as the different journeys all trigger reflection.

You have a busy lifestyle, how do you rank your priorities?

Family first. My husband. My son is almost three and every moment is precious. And then the most meaningful part of my professional life, the social work. I wish I were able to spend more time with my friends than I do, but we do still get many opportunities to be together.

Was there a pivotal moment that acted as a catalyst for the creation of your foundation?

A few years ago I was working on another project in Egypt, >>

and by chance I visited a school in the countryside of Upper Egypt. It was August, and the month of Ramadan. A few volunteers were running additional Arabic, English and Math classes. The kids must have been around six years old. I was confronted by the thirst for knowledge of these children and their need to be offered additional opportunities for education.

I never dreamed as a child to be a model or go into acting, these are experiences which “happened” to me. What I dreamt of was to become a cultural attaché. As those thoughts floated in my head, they were fuelled by the desire I always had in me to work in something that would combine the artistic and the social, possibly in Egypt. So, when I was seven months pregnant, I made the first concrete steps towards the creation of ESF.

What are the guiding principles and goals of The Elisa Sednaoui Foundation?

Our mission is to help foster the next generation of world citizens and solution-makers who will enrich their communities. We do so by promoting playful cultural exchange and the building of life-skills among children and young people through experiential, hands-on type of art classes. We believe that children and young people should have the opportunity to follow their dreams and imaginations—to freely express feelings, thoughts, and experiences in open and creative ways. We created the ESF to help give children and young people these opportunities. We aim at building good future citizens by promoting tolerance while establishing a sense of self, rooted in dignity and respect. We strongly believe in fostering civic participation and engagement while encouraging social entrepreneurship and responsibility.

In what ways do you feel that motherhood has changed you?

It has made me more organised. More guilty at times. But I guess guilt is a big part of our education, isn’t it? It has also actually made me more patient and understanding with myself. I think I also feel more grounded. Seeing my son smile, or learn something new cannot be compared with any other feeling.

What important qualities do you wish to instill in your son?

It feels like it’s a little too early to say. But I try to teach him to appreciate things. To try and be patient when things don’t go exactly his way. To try to behave with others the way he would want them to behave with him. To be gentle and thoughtful. To be a good listener. >>

When time allows, which restaurants and places in Cairo do you like to visit?

Unfortunately I always come in and out, and when I’m there I don’t have time to do much besides working. I do however have the most fun nights in my Cairo friends’ homes. They are always surprising occasions to be remembered. In terms of restaurants and places, I really know too few of them. I have been to a few delicious ones all over town over the years, but I wouldn’t be able to remember the names. I like Le Pacha 1901 for the sake of the memories it brings back. I also like Cairo Kitchen in Zamalek, for its authentic, time-honored local cuisine.

Quick Fire Round:

What apps do you use the most?

Instagram, Dropbox and Amazon.

What is your favorite fragrance?

‘No Matter What’ by Liaison de Parfum

Which song is on your repeat list?

The Pink Panther anthem because my son loves it.

How would you define your philosophy on life in around 10 words?

Be truthful to yourself and others, give your heart and you’ll figure it out.

What do you feel most grateful for?

My loved ones, and being given the opportunity to dedicate myself to what I am passionate about.

Cityscape Egypt 2016, Home of your dream

CWM-Feb16-low101 (1)

 

The right home is waiting for you at Cityscape Egypt. The country’s leading international property exhibition provides a showcase of more than 100,000 developments for comparison under one roof. Catering to the needs of everyone from the general home buyer to the private or institutional investor, a visit to Cityscape Egypt will dramatically increase your chances of getting the property and deal you are looking for. Make sure you register now to get FREE entry, saving EGP 50 on your entrance fee and Visitor Showguide. www.cityscapeegypt.com

6 Things You Need to Know About Asthma in Children

While asthma affects people of all ages, children with asthma have special concerns. Every day we meet worried parents who care for a child with asthma. If you are one, read on to learn the answers to questions we are frequently asked.

What causes asthma?Besides having a genetic component, other factors can trigger asthma attacks. Environmental triggers include pollens, dust mites, tobacco smoke, pets, air pollution, strong smells, and cold weather.

Asthma triggers can differ from one person to another, hence it’s important to know what triggers your child’s asthma to minimize exposure.

 

Is asthma worse during certain seasons?

Fall and winter are allergy and asthma high-incidence periods. Therefore, it is important to be extra careful about day-to-day asthma maintenance.

How’s asthma managed?

There are three different types of asthma medications used in the treatment of asthma. 1. Reliever medications: Help re-open airway muscles 2. Preventer medications: Reduce inflammation 3. Symptom controllers: control day/night symptoms.Are asthma medications safe?

Asthma medications are mostly given via inhalers or puffers that deliver small amounts of medication straight into the airways. This allows the medication to act more quickly and reduces the risk of side effects. Asthma medicines are much safer than untreated or under-treated asthma.

 

What is the best way to avoid asthma attacks?

There are lots of things you can do to help reduce your child’s risk of an asthma attack:

  • Have your child take his/her medicines regularly as prescribed
  • Have regular asthma reviews with your child’s doctor
  • Check with your child’s doctor or pharmacist that you/your child is using the inhaling devicecorrectly
  • Avoid the things thattrigger your child’s asthma where possible
  • Avoid exposing your child to secondhand smoke Let your child haveregular flu vaccinations

 

When to seek immediate help?

Observe your child for any of the following:

  • Pale or bluish looking skin
  • Breathlessness
  • Cannot walk or talk
  • Looks exhausted or irritable
  • Rapid breathing
  • Using accessory muscles of breathing in-drawing of muscles at the neck when breathing.

 

 

Fat Today, Gone Tomorrow

Dr. Hussein Ghanem Discusses the Latest in Liposuction

Recent advances have taken a lot of the stress out of liposuction, Dr. Hussein Ghanem gives us the update.

CEM: What are the latest developments in Liposuction procedures?  

HG: Advances in both technique and equipment have greatly enhanced the safety and cosmetic outcome of liposuction. Perhaps the greatest contribution is the introduction of the tumescent technique under local anesthesia.

Tumescence means filling the fat prior to liposuction with a solution containing a local anesthetic to avoid general anesthesia, and a vasoconstrictor to prevent bleeding.  An added advantage of the local anesthetic is that the patient remains conscious, thus if the surgeon inadvertently touches the abdominal muscles, the patient would alert him or her before injuring the muscle or even worse, entering the abdomen or chest of the patient with the suction cannula, causing organ injuries. So far, there have been no reports of serious complications with this technique for more than 15 years. The maximum safe volume of fluid to be injected is 4 liters in a single sitting.

Besides anesthesia, several other advances have been introduced. In power-assisted liposuction, a small caliber vibrating cannula is introduced to extract the fat in a smooth non- aggressive manner, resulting in superior results with much less bruising.

In laser-assisted liposuction, a laser fiber is introduced prior to the powered cannula to aid in dissolving the fat, enhancing the outcome, and possibly tightening the skin. In ultrasound- assisted liposuction, ultrasound energy is used to help damage the fat cells.  Laser-assisted and ultrasound-assisted liposuction should only be performed by physicians licensed in laser surgery to avoid a very rare complication of burns.

What other advances are popular now with liposuction and fat transfer?

Micro-fat and nano-fat transfer are new procedures where liposuction with specialized micro-cannulas provides a source of both fat and stem cells that could replace dermal fillers as they are longer lasting, possibly permanent, and the stem cells have the added advantage of providing remarkable skin rejuvenation for the face.

Most important points to know:

Current techniques

Power assisted Tumescent Liposuction: New Swiss and German machines create certain vibrations that are targeted at breaking down the fat deposits while removing it through a thin tube under local anesthesia.  It combines the safety of tumescent liposuction with the ease and power of the vibration machines, while avoiding the possible risks of laser and ultrasound.

Laser Assisted Liposuction (Slim Lipo): Laser energy is applied to help liquefy the fat and facilitates its removal through liposuction.

Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction:  Ultrasound energy is applied to help break down the fat and help its removal through liposuction.

Tumescent liposuction with local anesthesia: This is the most common type of liposuction and combines both power-assisted and laser-assisted liposuction. It involves the infiltration of fluid into the area to be suctioned. The fluid has a local anesthetic as well as adrenaline to reduce bleeding and prolong the anesthetic effect. The surgeon uses a thin tube (cannula) attached to a vacuum to remove fat from under the skin. Local anesthesia is safest while the tumescent fluid facilitates aspirating the fat outside the body.

What can the patient expect before, during and after the procedure?
The patient experience includes a clinic visit and blood tests. Patients are admitted and change into a sterile gown. Local anesthesia is administered through a fine needle attached to a specific machine and then the surgeon waits 20 to 30 minutes for full anesthetic and vasoconstrictive effect to avoid bleeding. A laser fiber may then be used to melt the fat, followed by powered liposuction through a small cannula. The entry point is small and doesn’t need a stitch for closure. >>

The patient then wears a constrictive gown and is discharged from the hospital usually within 2 hours. For the following 24 hours, the injected fluids pass out of the small liposuction holes. Discomfort and pain gradually resolve over a few days.

To what extent does the new technology help avoid possible complications?
Vibrations allow liposuction machines to pass smoothly within the fat cells avoiding burns and bruises that were possible with earlier techniques. Local anesthesia avoids the complications of general anesthesia and prevents injury to unwanted areas because the patient is awake and will feel the suction cannulas if they go out of the target areas.

Is liposuction suitable for everyone?
Liposuction should be viewed as a body-shaping, not a weight-loss procedure, so it is most suitable for patients close to their normal weight rather than obese patients. Patients should not be taking snit-coagulant treatments (blood thinners like aspirin) and should be of general good health.

Can you get a good result from liposuction if you have cellulite?
Power-assisted and laser-assisted liposuction can smoothen cellulite irregularities, while conventional liposuction could enhance skin deformities.

What are the most common areas people choose for liposuction?
Abdomen, flanks, outer thighs, neck and arms.

Can it be combined with other cosmetic procedures?Liposuction is frequently combined with micro-fat transfer as a longer-lasting substitute for dermal fillers with an added advantage of including fat-derived stem cells to enhance the quality of the skin.

When micro-fat transfer is planned for rejuvenating the face, very small cannulas are used to extract the fat, which is then transferred to the face along with the accompanying stem cells known as adipose (fat) derived fat cells.  Using small cannulas allows a uniform extraction and injection procedure, giving better access to the blood supply ensuring long term survival of the grafted fat cells. This is a simple clinic procedure.

What are the biggest misconceptions about the procedure?

We see a lot of patients coming for liposuction while what they really need obesity surgery like balloons or gastric bypass surgery.

What side effects can you expect?|
With traditional liposuction significant bruising or bleeding was common. With power-assisted or laser-assisted liposuction under tumescent local anesthesia, usually only minor bruising is observed.  Pain is usually quite tolerable and most patients don’t need pain-killers.

Burns and organ injury are extremely rare and occur mainly when liposuction is performed under general anesthesia. No serious complications have been reported with local anesthesia, however some patients need sedation, or rarely, general anesthesia.

Side effects may also include minor hematomas or mild pain or discomfort. Complications are extremely rare and almost nonexistent with qualified physicians licensed in laser surgery.   Injecting more than 4 liters of fluid or liposuction for large areas of fat might require hospitalization to monitor the urine flow and is better avoided for safety concerns.

How long is the recovery period?
In most cases patients return to regular activity within 3 days.

Are men turning more to liposuction for cosmetic improvement?
Many men are concerned regarding body image under peer pressure and media pressure glorifying a perfect body.  Cosmetic procedures have thus been on the rise in men.

Which areas do men usually target when requesting lipo?
With a rising desire among men to obtain perfect bodies, many men request liposuction for stubborn fat areas in the abdomen and flanks. Many men are very upset with a larger than normal male breast and benefit a lot from liposuction of the male breast. Also some men are very concerned with localized fat in the lower abdomen giving the impression of smaller male genital organs, and thus also request liposuction of the lower abdomen.

What’s Trending Now

Trending Hashtags

#donttellmom

#smilingfood

#iseefaces

#jumpstagram

#puddlegram

#thisisegypt

 

The most visited cities in the world below

  1. Hong Kong – 27.7 million visitors
  2. London – 17.4 million visitors
  3. Singapore – 17.1 million visitors
  4. Bangkok – 16.2 million visitors
  5. Paris – 15 million visitors
  6. Macau – 15 million visitors
  7. Shenzhen – 13.1 million visitors
  8. New York City – 12.2 million visitors
  9. Istanbul – 11.9 million visitors
  10. Kuala Lumpur – 11.6 million visitors

 

Hillary Clinton

The definition of a strong, powerful, fearless woman.

The genius new product that will change the way you paint your nails forever. A brilliantly simple idea, the tweexy is a rubber ring with a holder to keep your nail polish upright while you paint. Find out more on instagram @thetweexy

Here’s to a younger you with Wheatgrass, which is a superior detoxification agent compared to carrot juice and other fruit and vegetables. It is an effective healer as it contains, vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, and K, and is extremely rich in protein. It also helps with skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis. Grab it from your nearest Imtenan store.

Egypt’s environment minister has said around three fugitive crocodiles have been located in a roadside canal in the Cairo suburb of Matariya, while locals allege a larger number of the reptiles have been seen on the run.

 

March Stars 2016

With two eclipses livening things up, we are in a for a month that should be anything but dull. The full solar eclipse on the 9th of March will have the strongest impact on people born during the third week of the mutable signs Pisces, Gemini, Virgo and Sagittarius, or anyone with personal planets in those locations. Fiery Mars enters Sagittarius this month as well, so expect more impulsive behaviour from those around you. Don’t forget to read your rising sign as well if you know it.

 

 

Our Birthday Sign

Pisces

20 February –20 March

As March opens you should have a fairly smooth time, but be ready for a solar eclipse on the 9th, when people whose birthday falls on or near that date may find things getting a little more exciting. It could prove to be a turning point of sorts, when you move in a new direction. Other dates that stand out are the 12th, when lovely Venus enters your sign, and the  20th when she teams up with Neptune, again in your birth sign. You can expect romance to reach blissful heights.

 

Aries

21 March –20 April

It’s true that you enjoy a fast-paced life, and this March may seem a little slow, for the first week at least. Then you get a boost when Mars, your ruling planet enters fire- ruled Sagittarius. Expect philosophical challenges, travel with a tinge of adventure for some, and an increased appetite for conquering new fields of experience. Things liven up even more  after the 20th when you benefit from having the Sun back in your birth sign, closely followed by Mercury. Plans suddenly start falling into place!

 

Taurus

21 April –21 May

The planetary energies early in the month look quite supportive for earth-ruled Taurus. Tensions may ease in close relationships when Mars moves out of your close relationship zone, but don’t relax too much. There could be a spot of pressure coming up over financial matters, so make sure your bills are paid up to date. The 16th and 26th are days when you can push your luck a little, later in the month you may need to work behind the scenes until you feel the time is right to make a move.

 

Gemini

 22 May –21 June

Although you prefer negotiation to direct confrontation you may find someone pushing your buttons a bit too much this March. Resist the temptation to let fly, it may be difficult to undo the damage. Particularly touchy days are around the 5th, especially if your birthday is in the first couple of days of Gemini. The eclipse of the 9th falls across your career and domestic points, so you may need to sort out your priorities in these areas. After the 11th Venus will be in your solar 10th house,  putting you in the spotlight, look your best!

 

Cancer

22 June –22 July

There is a big focus on romance and relationships, as well as kids and pets this month. It seems that your giving and nurturing nature is being called upon in every direction of your life these days. It may pile up a bit on you if you don’t take some time for yourself, watch out for health issues in the second part of the month. If you have a chance to slip out of town for a break, especially after the 12th, don’t think twice. The 16th is a good day is a great day for expressing yourself, tell someone how you feel.

 

Leo

23 July –22 August

As temperature levels start to warm, so should your mood. Let’s face it, winter isn’t really your thing, is it? Pluto is still lingering in your 6th house, so your bones may be a little troublesome, especially around the knees. Routine responsibilities may seem extra burdensome this month, be patient. The 16th looks good for finances, if you have a business meeting it should be fruitful, or maybe good news is coming your way. There could be a chance of unplanned travel, so be ready to change plans at the drop of a hat.

Virgo

23 August –23 September

Control-freak Virgo may have a few challenging moments this month when other people seem to be calling the shots. The message could be for you to loosen up a bit and see things in a new light. The eclipse of the 9th may drive the message home in no uncertain way. Matters on the home front may be frustrating, so don’t take on major work there unless you really have to. The 16th and 26th are days that should brighten you up, bookmark them for special meetings.

 

 

Libra

24 September – 23 October

Work and health matters should be top of your list as March gets under way. Try to get as much as possible done in the first couple of weeks, as there seems to be a lot of running around and communication to deal with in the second half of the month. When Venus lights up your 6th house after the 12th it is a great time to catch up on your beauty routines, and maybe add a few items to your wardrobe. Time spent alone on the 16th could be useful in helping you realign yourself and identify your goals.

 

Scorpio

24 October –22 November

Some things seem to go hand-in-hand. A nice surge of activity with planets creating energy in your 5th house of romance, kids, hobbies and let’s face it, self-indulgence, is putting pressure on your 2nd house of income and finances. You need to think long term and strategically about this. The 11th and 12th are great days for catching a movie, or pursuing something creative, while the 16th offers some great in-depth conversations or brainstorming sessions with friends or a group with shared interests.

 

Sagittarius

23 November –21 December

It’s a hectic month for Sagittarians; Mars starts a transit of your birth sign on the 6th of March, and Saturn turns retrograde, also still in your sign, on the 25th. With two conflicting energies you will not know whether it is time to go full steam ahead, or slow and steady. The end result could be exhaustion and frazzled nerves. Try to balance the two, and avoid taking risks, especially with sharp or heavy objects. Leave the hard work to someone else, especially if it involves home repairs. Career matters look good on the 16th.

 

Capricorn

22 December –20 January

March may have you spending more time than usual mixing and mingling with groups of friends and neighbors. You have plenty to say, and will not be shy when it comes to sharing your point of view. You may risk ruffling a few feathers and stirring  up some criticism, so practise tact and discretion where possible. The 20th will see you at your inspired and eloquent best, go with the flow.

 

Aquarius

21 January –19 February

After a period of intense work activity you may detect a swing towards more social activity. Don’t expect it to be of the laid-back relaxing variety; it could be tiring keeping up with the whirl. Money matters may improve this month, but don’t count on it lasting forever. Joint financial plans could be promising, especially around the 16th, but keep it under your hat, don’t attract envy from people who feel left out.

Gezira Sporting

First Annual Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition

Gezira Sporting Club held its very first rhythmic gymnastics competition last month. The competition was held over two days with around 350 gymnasts participating, and was considered as big as national competitions.

The competition was held under the supervision of Noha Abdelwahab, Vice President of the technical committee, International Federation of Gymnastics, as well as her team of coaches consisting of Noha Hossam, Mayan El Molla, Heba El Bourini, Jacinthe El Deeb, Manar Mohsen, Habiba El Mawardy, Aisha El Kolali, Yara Baraka, Mariam Mahmoud, Salma Tamer, Habiba Waly, Hagar Mohamed and ballet coaches Vera Krapivko and Mahmoud Atef.

Gezira Club was ranked first with a total of 18 Gold medals, 12 Silver Medals, and 5 Bronze Medals followed by Semouha Sporting Club with 13 Gold medals, 11 Silver Medals, and 8 Bronze Medals followed by Wadi Degla Sporting Club with 8 Gold medals, 7 Silver Medals, and 6 Bronze Medals.

The competition was one of the most successful gymnastic competitions to be held in Egypt, and will now become an annual event.

 

1...285286287...338Page 286 of 338
©